Going "Over the Edge" to support downtown Duluth businesses

By
KBJR News 1

June 9, 2014Updated Jun 9, 2014 at 6:21 PM CST

Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com)---Being a small business owner requires taking a leap of faith..last July Amy Olson, owner of E'Clips On the Lake Salon did just that by rapelling off a nine story building in Duluth..and today she is reaping the benefits.

"We're getting a new awning," said Amy Olson, owner of E'Clips on the Lake Salon.

12 thousand dollars from 20-13's "Over the Edge" fundraiser was put into a revolving loan fund as part of a storefront improvement program for downtown business retail tenants. That fund needs replenishing, which means more folks must go over the edge, including Barbara Reyelts.

"I think it's really exciting to just be able to show that we're giving back and helping these businesses further help the downtown grow and develop," said Kristi Stokes, President of the Greater Downtown Council.

For E'Clips Salon, the new awning was something they couldn't afford, but going down a building opened up new opportunities.

"Hopefully that will generate more exposure from the onlookers and people that are walking by and we're gonna get some nice neighbors across the street in the Maurice's corporate building so obviously we'd love to appeal to some of those people," said Olson.

And the fundraiser is a gift that keeps on giving to businesses like Pizza Man..who is also in the process of getting a new awning to liven up their downtown storefront

"Hopefully it will attract some new eyes. A lot of people drive by here and probably don't look at our store and look that we are here. Pizza Man is here. I hope to catch some eyes and hopefully sell more pizzas.," said Jesse Carlson, owner of Pizza Man.

Ten people are signed up to go "Over the Edge" on July 10..all in an effort to keep revitalizing downtown.

The Greater Downtown Council is still looking for adventurous volunteers to go "Over-The-Edge" .

If you are interested in being a part of this fundraiser, you can find more information here]